Saturday, December 31, 2011

A New Perspective

I can't believe I am posting this, but I am trusting the pull on my heart that I should.

This journey has truly given me a new perspective on THIS life, and I have been blessed beyond measure every day since we found out about Brooklyn's diagnosis. Her strength, her determination, and her spirit are truly gifts that I needed in my life.

However, on hard days, when my heart is heavy and starts to want answers I will never get, I have learned to choose a heavenly perspective. To picture what eternity will be like. Although I am careful not to dwell on it -- there is much happiness to be had right now -- sometimes it helps to remember that any sadness that comes along with this journey is temporary. I don't know how many of you have Faith, but I can tell you that I don't know how I would get through this journey without it.

I wrote this a few weeks ago. It is with a humble heart that I press "publish." I truly hope it provides encouragement or, at the very least, a new perspective.

Happy New Year, my friends!

~Lisa @ Heaven Sent

In His Presence

The first thing she felt was the grass tickling her feet. It was cool, yet inviting; each blade soft to the touch, but firm enough to find its way between each of her toes. The sensation, she realized, was new. She didn't want to open her eyes -- not yet. Something made her want to savor the feeling for just a little while longer.

She stretched out her left leg and felt the tickle crawl from her feet to her ankle, up her leg, until it stopped at her knees where her dress began. She then stretched her right leg, taking the time to lengthen it ever so slowly.

Savor.

The weight of her legs was now making imprints in the soft grass, grounding her, yet the feeling pulsing through her body made her want to fly.

She opened her eyes. The light before her was blinding -- blue and white with flecks of golds and silver. Even in its brilliance, it was mesmerizing, drawing her in and making her see more clearly.

And that's when she saw Him. He had been watching her the whole time. He too had been waiting for this moment. The smile on His face mimicked the feeling spreading throughout her whole body.

Pure joy.

Their eyes met, and He nodded. It was time.

She looked down at her new body and slowly bent her knees, using her hands to push her legs up, until finally she was standing. The movement was graceful, easy. As if this was how it was always meant to be.

She looked back at Him, eyes wide, and He held out his arms. Her first step was careful and slow, but as she felt the weight of her body on the lush ground beneath her, she began to walk faster and faster, until finally she was running. Running as fast as she could until she fell into His arms and thanked Him. Over and over and over.

Thank you.

As they pulled away, His hand touched her cheek and He searched her eyes for any questions. She had none.

He smiled again.

His arms invited her to leave if she wanted to. As she looked around, she saw that some were dancing, leaping, while others sang in unison. Their praise permeated the air, creating new breath. She inhaled.

She saw others walking through the fields, laughing and talking; children skipping and running; the flowers swaying to the rhythm of their joy. Her soul warmed.

Then she saw those gathered at His feet -- peaceful and still -- and she knew where she wanted to be, just for a little while longer.

She slowly bent her knees, lowering her body back onto the grass, and simply sat in His presence. As if this was how it was always meant to be.


(Copyright, Lisa Bonnema, 2011)

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And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children."

Revelation 21:3-7 NIV


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12 comments:

A Cup of Cold Water said...

such a beautiful picture. thank you so much for sharing it.
erika

Amory said...

So wonderful, Lisa. Although I don't like to admit it at times, I do need to be reminded that this world is not our home. So thankful for that! Thank you for sharing!

Jason said...

"For our light and momentary struggles are preparing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor 4:17

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

Anonymous said...

I did not expect to be moved so much by this, but... tears are filling my eyes. What a beautiful picture. I feel like rejoicing for those little ones who are experiencing his complete healing right now, and long for the day when ALL will.

Colleen said...

Lovely. Thank you for sharing. Oh happy day!

Hilary said...

So beautiful. I long for this day for my daughter as well. When we are all "changed" - "in a moment and in twinkling of an eye!" I echo the verse above - 2 Cor. 4:18 gets me through rough days - The things we see now are temporal! His precious promises are eternal! Thanks for sharing your heart and your "perspective!"

Miranda said...

Have you ever thought of making this into a book? I would love to have this for Trinity as she gets older and starts asking questions. You are a beautiful writer!!
Thank you for sharing!!

Unknown said...

Lisa, I have read this over and over, I have cried every-time. A little bit for your feelings, but a little more because this is our temporary home, this is our temporary body and one day we will finally be whole. I cry because I know Gavin is "different" and he doesn't know and sadly soon will because he will be picked on or can't do something that a "normal" kid can. But remember they are put here for reasons and the things that they endure through out THIS life will mold them into what they need to be to do God's work. Then the ultimate gift of eternal life in a permanent home where they will be "normal". Much Love and thank you for clicking "publish"

Hannah said...

Thank you

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